Thursday, February 19, 2009

The U.S. denied it would happen, but here it is. Kyrgyzstan's parliament has voted to close its US air base, a key to the supply route for the US occupation of Afghanistan. At the same time, Kyrgyzstan will be accepting $2 billion in aid from Russia. The Kyrgzy government denies any connection.

However, with the US flailing in Iraq and Afghanistan, Russia gained a window of opportunity to reestablish its sphere of influence. The Russian invasion of Georgia and the lack of US response finally proved the US can no longer protect its own allies in Central Asia.

What can we expect from the return of the Prison-house of Nations? Hopefully more hilarity like this

"I'm interested in good relations between the United States and Russia," [McCain] said. "But in the 21st century, nations don't invade other nations.''

the price for the US and NATO to have their Afghan supplies arrive via Russia is clear: no more encirclement, no more NATO extension, no more anti-missile shield in the Czech Republic and Poland for protection against non-existent Iranian missiles.